The power of the dark green side: Darth Vader helmet a hit with A's relievers

NEW YORK -- If the A's bullpen was looking for an identity, it may have found it with a little help from George Lucas, Darth Vader and Co.

Sitting in the clubhouse Tuesday was a full-sized green-and-gold helmet worn by villain deluxe Vader in the Star Wars franchise.

Speaking for the bullpen, A's closer Sean Doolittle said "it's going with us everywhere.''

The helmet originally caught the eye of reliever Evan Scribner in spring training who saw an A's fan carrying it. Scribner asked what it would take to get one, and eventually he and the fan worked out a deal.

Scribner started the season with the A's but has been moving regularly between Triple-A Sacramento and the big league club. He was with the club for three games last week, and the storm trooper made its appearance in the A's pen over the weekend.

"We haven't decided how we're going to handle it, but it's about the bullpen,'' Doolittle said Tuesday. "I'm not sure the deal Scribner made, but he was able to get it done. And it's very cool.''

Despite the occasional hiccup, Oakland's bullpen has been one reason the A's have the best record in baseball. The bullpen's 2.88 ERA and 15 wins are both second in the American League. The relievers' .222 batting average against is the best in the AL, as does the on-base percentage allowed (.283) and slugging percentage against (.318).